VICE-CHANCELLOR OF the Banaras Hindu University Prof. Panjab Singh said that efforts were on to establish Malviya Heritage Complex on the campus.

He was addressing a two-day international alumni meet at Swatantrata Bhawan, here on Saturday.

Vice-Chancellor inaugurated the meet and spelled out priorities and plans of BHU administration about future activities. The alumni meet is being organised in association with the Mahamana Malviya Mission.

Addressing the gathering, vice-chancellor announced to establish a chair in the name of its founder Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya for extensive research.

Recalling the vision of Madan Mohan Malviya, Prof. Panjab Singh said that Malviyaji believed that academic institutions were the nursery of good citizens.

Former MP Prabhu Narayan Singh, noted literary critic and emeritus Professor of Hindi at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof. Namwar Singh and former director general of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Prof. RB Singh were conferred with ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’.

Grandson of Madan Mohan Malviya, Justice Girdhar Malviya presided over the function and highlighted the very idea behind the foundation of BHU.

Former vice-chancellor of the Lucknow University and chairman of organising committee of alumni meet, Prof. DP Singh also addressed the inaugural function.

Organising secretary, Prof. Chandrakala Padia proposed the vote of thanks. Four publications, including an updated history of BHU titled ‘The History of Banaras Hindu University’ were released on the occasion.

Around two thousands distinguished scholars from all over India and abroad mainly from USA, UK, Canada and Australia are participating in the alumni meet.

Noted diamond tycoon and vice president of the VHP Anand Shanker Pandya, leading industrialist SK Maini, pro-Vice-chancellor of one of the US universities, Prof. SK Tripathi, director general of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Dr. Mangala Rai are a few among alumni of BHU participating in the meet.